The Cypress Christian School Art Department celebrated an outstanding showing at the 2026 TAPPS State Art Competition in Waco, earning a state championship and significantly increasing the school’s success from the previous year.
Under the direction of Mrs. Eichelberger, Warrior artists tripled the number of student award winners compared to last year while nearly doubling the team’s competition points, reflecting the continued growth and excellence of the Cypress Christian School Fine Arts program.
Students competed in a variety of visual arts categories, including drawing, painting, digital art, fashion, industrial design and mixed media. Their creativity, craftsmanship and dedication were recognized by judges from across the state, resulting in numerous top-eight finishes and honorable mentions.
Leading the way was Cailea Chalton, who captured the TAPPS State Championship in On-Site Drawing. In addition to her state title, Chalton earned Fifth Place in Senior Portfolio, Seventh Place in Computer Rendered Art and an Honorable Mention in Painting, making her one of the competition’s most accomplished artists.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our students and the tremendous growth they demonstrated this year,” said Mrs. Eichelberger. “Their willingness to invest countless hours refining their artistic skills, challenging themselves creatively and honoring God through their talents resulted in an incredible performance. Seeing our students triple the number of award winners from last year is a testament to their dedication and passion for excellence.”
The TAPPS Art Competition provides students the opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities while competing against talented young artists from private schools across Texas. This year’s results highlight the strength of Cypress Christian School’s visual arts program and its commitment to helping students develop the gifts God has given them.
Students will be recognized during chapel for their outstanding accomplishments.
Congratulations to all of the Warrior artists who represented Cypress Christian School with excellence. Your creativity, perseverance and commitment to pursuing excellence continue to make Warrior Nation proud.
2026 TAPPS Art Competition Results
Senior Portfolio
Cailea Chalton – Fifth Place
Tien Dang – Honorable Mention
Colored Drawing
Ivy Williams – Honorable Mention
Communication Design
Jackson Taylor – Eighth Place
Computer Rendered Art
Abby Goodall – Sixth Place
Cailea Chalton – Seventh Place
Painting
Cailea Chalton – Honorable Mention
Printmaking
Danyel Joseph – Honorable Mention
Mixed Media
Tania Khanoyan – Sixth Place
Relief
Caitlyn Waller – Fourth Place
Fashion Textile
Camille Allain – Eighth Place
Applied Industrial Design
Lucas Wolfswinkel – Fifth Place
Bella Osorio – Sixth Place
On-Site Drawing
Cailea Chalton – State Champion
Ivy Williams – Sixth Place
Art History
Maddy McKnight – Fifth Place
Seek and Sketch (Black & White)
Sarah Swan – Honorable Mention
